‘We’re all on our knees’ Carer of the Year Brenda O’Connell pleas for increased support for carers

The young mum from Charleville is a true hero who has devoted her life to looking after her four-year-old son Fionn while also battling her own debilitating condition.

The Cork woman appeared on the Late Late show last night to help raise awareness and give a voice to carers all around Ireland who are fighting every day to look after their loved ones providing them with the care, medication and services they desperately need.

Brenda spoke to Ryan about her every day struggles in caring for her son who has a rare genetic condition called NACC1, emphasising that her story is not unique and that there are so many carers around the country fighting every day.

‘I hope that I can help other carers in Ireland because everyone is struggling. We’re all on our knees, we all need support and we’re not getting it.’

‘We desperately need someone to see us. See what we’re doing for our children and our family members.’

‘Every day we work so, so hard and we’re knocked back time and time again.’

Brenda and her husband Trevor have devoted their lives to Fionn who has struggled with his condition since he was three months old.

"We desperately need someone to see us"Brenda O'Connell-Barry, winner of the National Carer of the Year, talks to Ryan about her 4 y/o son Fionn who suffers daily with a rate genetic disorder, NACC1 #latelatepic.twitter.com/sHLruyWaSB